Predicting the Minnesota Timberwolves' Starting Five for Next Season

Minnesota Timberwolves: Predicting Their Starting Five for the 2014-2015 Season

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The Minnesota Timberwolves had their best season in quite some time in 2013-2014, finishing 40-42 and being in contention for a playoff spot for quite a while. But they are facing a lot of uncertainty this offseason, with All-Star forward Kevin Love the subject of trade rumors and the search for a new coach continuing.

Here is a look at who will be Minnesota's starting five come opening night next season.

PG- Ricky Rubio

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PG- Ricky Rubio

Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Rubio is the one absolute lock to start for Minnesota next season at this point, and if Love is gone he'll have a chance to emerge as a team leader.

SF- Corey Brewer

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SF- Corey Brewer

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Brewer had some good moments in his first season back with the Timberwolves, most notably scoring a career-high 51 points against the Houston Rockets in April. A rookie could challenge him for the starting job, but Brewer's defense will keep him in the lineup.

SG- Kevin Martin

Jordan Johnson- Getty Images

SG- Kevin Martin

Jordan Johnson- Getty Images

Even with his shortcomings defensively, Martin gave the Timberwolves some much-needed perimeter scoring last season (19.1 points per game) and will remain a starter.

C- Nikola Pekovic

Rocky Widner- Getty Images

C- Nikola Pekovic

Rocky Widner- Getty Images

Pekovic could be traded, and an argument can be made he's Minnesota's most tradeable asset. But his contract and injury history are significant barriers to any deal, so chances are he'll be back next season.

PF- Gorgui Dieng

Rocky Widner- Getty Images

PF- Gorgui Dieng

Rocky Widner- Getty Images

Dieng emerged late in his rookie season when Pekovic was out, averaging 12.0 points and 11.3 rebounds per game over his final 18 games of the season (15 starts). If Love is gone, whoever the Timberwolves' new coach is has to find a prominent role for Dieng from the start next season.